Sure, it’s the time of year everyone starts flocking to the lake on weekends. But locals know fun happens off the water too. Here to help visitors and locals alike, our guide of what to do this weekend in Lake Norman:
ALL WEEKEND
Shakespeare On The Rocks: Much Ado About Nothing
Warehouse Performing Arts Center | May 4-5
The classic Shakespeare tale of Beatrice, Benedict and their friends comes to life in these outdoor performances. Shows are pay-what-you-will, with donations gratefully accepted.
THURSDAY
Cinco De Mayo Beer Dinner
Harvey’s in Huntersville | 6:45 p.m.
Start the celebration early with a four-course Mexican dinner paired with five beers. $35 per person. Must buy tickets in advance.
Jazz Combo
Tyler-Tallman Hall, Davidson | 7:30 p.m.
The Davidson College Jazz Combo takes the stage to close out their performance season. Show is free and open to the public.
FRIDAY
Wine Tasting Experience
Lake Norman Cottage Gourmet Food & Wine Harbor, Davidson | 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy three small plates and taste new wines from all around the world – all lakeside! $25.
Cornelius PARC 5K Run & Walk 2018
Westmoreland Athletic Complex, Cornelius | 6:30 p.m.
Lace up for the Cornelius PARC 5K Run & Walk. Proceeds will go to the Top Deck Foundation to benefit Warrior Jace and his family. $35 for runner, $30 for walkers.
2nd Annual Gather & Give Fundraising Dinner
Sweet Magnolia Estate, Cornelius | 6:30 p.m.
Rare Roots Hospitality executive chef Scott Holingsworth will prepare a special menu for the second annual Gather & Give Fundraising Dinner. In addition to dinner, the evening features live music from the Backyard brothers, a silent auction and wine pull. Proceeds benefit the Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen.
Cool Cars, Craft Beer, & Canines
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew LKN, Cornelius | 6 p.m.
Come show off your hot ride or classic car, enjoy live music and food truck offerings at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew.
Friday Night Flights Cinco De Mayo Style
bottled & tapped, Cornelius | 5 p.m.
Friday Night Flights are back, and this time with a Cinco De Mayo flair. Enjoy four beers and four appetizers for $14.
Standup Comedy at the Mill
Brick Row, Cornelius | 8 p.m.
This month’s stand-up comedy showcase features area comics Evan Pittfield, Ben Stacy, Andy Vanderveer, Jakjak Theking Garland, Graeson Mcgaha and Andy Perez. $7.
SATURDAY
Lake Norman Boating & Water Sports Festival
Morningstar Marinas, Cornelius | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get ready for summer with land and in-water displays, free safety seminars ,food trucks, kids activities and over $3,000 in raffle prizes.
Davidson Town Day
Town Green, Davidson | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Davidson Town Day features booths showcasing local organizations, music, entertainment, activities like photo booths and cake walks, food and more.
Beyond Walls Opening Reception
Saturday, May 5 | Robbins Park, Cornelius | 4 – 6 p.m.
Beyond Walls, an exhibit showcasing art in public spaces, will be on display May 5 through January 2019. Join the opening reception meet the artists, enjoy free children’s activities and more.
Cinco de Bow Wow with Happy Tails Rescue
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew LKN, Cornelius | 1 – 6 p.m.
Celebrate Cinco de Bow Wow with Happy Tails Rescue and drink specials, merchandise for sale and a nacho stand.
1st Annual Bin 110 Kentucky Derby Party
Bin 110, Cornelius | 5 p.m.
Celebrate before, during and after the “greatest two minutes in sports” at Bin 110. Wear your derby best to win prizes, enjoy $5 Mint Juleps, a bourbon ale and live music.
Cinco De Mayo / Party On The Patio
Jack’s Corner Tap, Cornelius | 7:30
Jack’s Corner Tap hosts a free show from Sunny Ledfurd to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Paddle 4 Purpose
Port City Club, Cornelius | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The 7th annual Paddle 4 Purpose features multiple race options and a post-race luau lunch. Benefits six local charities and one international foundation.
Cornhole Fundraiser
Al’s Bar & Grille, Cornelius | Noon – 4 p.m.
Put your cornhole skills to the test in a day of prizes, music, food, auction items and more in support of Little Smiles NC.
Davidson Farmer’s Market
442 South Main Street, Davidson | 8 a.m. – Noon
Whether you’re on the hunt for a fresh bouquet, baked goods, local produce or simply a Saturday morning spent with neighbors, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the Davidson Farmers Market.
Fiesta at Fox & Hound Birkdale
Fox & Hound, Huntersville | All day
Bring your fiesta to Fox & Hound, where they’ll have a DJ from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. and $4 Corona bottles, $18.50 buckets and $5 Angry Orchard Rose.
Cinco De Mayo at Three Amigos Cantina
Three Amigos Cantina, Huntersville | 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
It’s a full day of fun at Three Amigos Cantina, with a DJ, margarita, tequila and beer specials and giveaways.
Cinco De Derby
Hickory Tavern Birkdale, Huntersville | All day
The celebration at Hickory Tavern Birkdale includes a derby hat contest, food specials, $4 Mint Juleps, $10 tequila flights, $4 margaritas, a nacho and taco bar, live music and more.
Party for a Cause
The Kilted Buffalo, Huntersville | 3 p.m.
Dress in your derby best to win prizes, bid for charity and more at The Kilted Buffalo’s annual watch party.
SUNDAY
Hello Huntersville
Downtown Huntersville | 2 – 6 p.m.
Head to Downtown Huntersville to design art projects for the community, from murals to a marble installation and a mosaic picture. Enjoy additional free art activities, entertainment and vendors offering jewelry, art and more.
End-of-Year Masterworks Performance: Jubilate Deo by Dan Forrest
Duke Family Performance Hall | 3 p.m.
To conclude their 10th season, Davidson College Choirs and the Choral Arts Society of Davidson share the stage with members of the Charlotte Symphony to perform composer Dan Forrest’s newest major work, Jubilate Deo. $5-$25.
Concerts on the Green w/Uptown Funk “Bruno Mars Tribute”
Davidson Village Green | 6 – 8 p.m.
Davidson’s popular Concerts on the Green series continues with a performance from Uptown Funk, a Bruno Mars Tribute band.
Beer Yoga
Primal Brewery, Huntersville | 1 p.m.
via Facebook
Yoga is back at Primal Brewery. $10 includes class and a beer. Bring your own mat.
